Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) for 1310 nm and 1550 nm
InPhenix SOAs amplify light directly in the fibre, with no optical-to-electrical conversion. Choose booster, in-line or switch types in a 14-pin butterfly package with built-in thermoelectric cooler and thermistor.
- Up to 22 dBsmall-signal gain at 1310 nm (−25 dBm input)
- Up to 17 dBmsaturation output power
- 7 dBtypical noise figure, 1310 nm
- 14-pinbutterfly with TEC and thermistor
Typical values from InPhenix SOA product specifications. Guaranteed limits vary by part number; see each datasheet.
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Illustrative 3D model of a butterfly-packaged SOA. Switch bias off to see an unpumped SOA absorb the signal.
What is a semiconductor optical amplifier?
A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is essentially a laser diode with no feedback from its input and output ports. That is why it is also called a travelling-wave amplifier (TWA). Electrical bias current pumps the gain region, and light entering the fibre pigtail leaves stronger.
InPhenix builds its SOAs on MQW or bulk active structures. The MQW design gives a wider bandwidth than bulk, and careful design of the active layer and waveguide keeps the noise figure steady across wavelength and drive current.
An ideal SOA has high gain, wide bandwidth, high saturation output power, low noise and low polarization sensitivity. InPhenix datasheets report all five so you can compare parts directly.
Wide optical bandwidth
Typical spectral width of 40 to 60 nm across the booster and switch parts, and gain well above 10 dB across the whole O-band (1270 to 1340 nm).
High saturation output power
Typical Psat of 10 to 16 dBm on 1550 nm boosters, and up to 17 dBm reported for the 1310 nm O-band line.
Low polarization sensitivity
Low polarization dependent gain and low gain ripple keep output steady when the input polarization drifts.
Booster, in-line, pre-amplifier or switch: where the SOA sits
One device, several jobs. Select a role to see the signal chain.
Explore and configure your SOA in 3D
Select a part number, then choose fibre, jacket and connector. The model and the order code update as you go.
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Fibre colour and connector follow your selection: yellow SM, blue PM, orange MM; green boot for APC, blue boot for UPC.
1. Choose a part
2. Configure fibre and connector
Code format follows the InPhenix SOA specification (model, package, fibre type, jacket, connector). Confirm option availability for your part with InPhenix sales.
InPhenix SOA specifications by part number
Typical values from the InPhenix product table. Click a column header to sort, or a part number to open it in the 3D explorer.
* IPSAD1301 values come from its product specification (Rev. 1.50): gain 18 dB min / 22 dB typ, Psat 10 dBm typ, noise figure 7 dB typ / 7.5 dB max. All parts: 14-pin butterfly, SM / PM / MM fibre options, connectors as listed in the configurator above.
Gain compression simulator
Drag the input power and see how the selected SOA's gain falls as the output nears its saturation power (Psat).
Device:
Simple homogeneous-saturation model built from the typical gain and Psat in the table, where gain falls by 3 dB at Psat. It illustrates behaviour and is not a guarantee. Datasheet gain is specified at −25 dBm input.
14-pin butterfly pinout and operating limits
Select a pin to see its function. Only the SOA, TEC and thermistor pins are connected; all others are NC.
- Operating temperature
- −20 to 70 °C
- Storage temperature
- −40 to 85 °C
- SOA forward current (max)
- 400 mA (IPSAD1301), 700 mA (IPSAD1505)
- SOA reverse voltage (max)
- 2.5 V
- TEC drive (max)
- 1.5 A, 3.6 V
- Thermistor
- 10 kΩ at 25 °C
- Chip temperature setting
- 25 °C
- Evaluation board
- IPEVM: current up to 650 mA, 25 °C TEC control, single +5 V supply
Absolute maximum ratings from InPhenix SOA specifications. Always confirm against the datasheet of your part number.
SOA vs EDFA
Both amplify light, and both share a theoretical noise-figure limit of 3 dB. The practical differences decide the fit.
| Criterion | InPhenix SOA | EDFA |
|---|---|---|
| Gain medium | Semiconductor chip (InP-based MQW or bulk) | Erbium-doped fibre |
| Pumping | Electrical bias current | Optical pump laser |
| Size | Chip in a 14-pin butterfly package | Coiled fibre plus pump module |
| Wavelength | Set by chip design: 1310 nm, 1550 nm and other bands | Mainly the C- and L-band near 1550 nm |
| Noise | Higher in practice because of internal loss; InPhenix MQW design keeps NF steady across wavelength and current | Typically lower in practice |
| Dynamics | Fast gain recovery (about 100 ps reported in published research on an InPhenix SOA), useful for switching and wavelength conversion | Slow gain dynamics |
| Polarization | Gain can depend on polarization; InPhenix lists PDG per part | Largely polarization independent |
More background: how SOAs enhance fibre optics and the enhanced functionalities white paper.
SOA applications
See the full overview in scope of SOA application areas.
Booster amplifier
Raise launch power after a transmitter. Booster parts reach 14 to 16 dBm typical Psat at 1550 nm.
In-line amplifier
Recover span loss mid-link and compensate loss in optical cross-connects.
Receiver pre-amplifier
Amplify weak signals before the photodetector to improve receiver sensitivity.
Optical switch and gate
Bias current turns the SOA into a fast gate. Switch-category parts such as IPRAD1301 and IPRAD1501 target this job.
Wavelength conversion
Fast gain recovery and nonlinear behaviour support all-optical signal processing. InPhenix SOAs appear in peer-reviewed switching and conversion experiments.
Test and measurement
Drive and characterize SOAs on the IPEVM evaluation board to measure gain, noise figure, Psat, wavelength and PDG.
Why engineers choose InPhenix SOAs
Read our five reasons to choose InPhenix.
Datasheet-level transparency
Gain, Psat, noise figure, PDG and gain ripple are specified per part, with absolute maximum ratings.
MQW or bulk structures
Pick the structure that fits: MQW for wider bandwidth, bulk where it suits the application.
Complete package
Hermetic-style 14-pin butterfly with TEC and thermistor, SM, PM or MM pigtails, and FC or SC connector options.
Customization and support
Custom wavelengths and specifications on request, plus engineering support from Livermore, California.
Handling tip: keep back-reflection out of the SOA. External optical feedback can cause fatal degradation, so use isolators, clean APC connectors and the rated drive current.
SOA datasheets, notes and guides
- IPSAD1505 datasheet (PDF)1550 nm booster SOA specification
- SOA application notes (PDF)Gain, bandwidth, Psat, noise figure and PDG explained
- White paper: enhanced SOA functionalitiesBooster, pre-amplifier and network roles
- IPEVM SOA evaluation boardDrive and characterize SOAs in the lab
- SOA advancements and AI-driven controlWhere SOA technology is heading
- How SOAs enhance fibre opticsBasics, structure and EDFA comparison
Semiconductor optical amplifier FAQ
What is a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)?
An SOA is an optical amplifier that uses a semiconductor gain medium to boost a light signal directly, without converting it to an electrical signal. It is essentially a laser diode with no feedback from its input and output ports, so it is also called a travelling-wave amplifier.
Which wavelengths and part numbers does InPhenix offer?
InPhenix SOAs cover 1310 nm (for example IPSAD1301 and IPRAD1301) and 1550 nm (IPSAD1501, IPSAD1502, IPSAD1504, IPSAD1505, IPSAD1507 and IPRAD1501). The wider product range spans about 880 to 1650 nm, and custom wavelengths are available on request.
What package, fibre and connector options are available?
SOAs ship in a 14-pin butterfly package with TEC and thermistor. Fibre options include single-mode, polarization-maintaining, multimode and SM ClearCurve (not on every part), with 900 µm or 250 µm jackets. Connectors include FC/APC, FC/UPC, SC/APC, SC/UPC or none.
What is the difference between booster, in-line and switch SOAs?
Booster SOAs raise output power after a transmitter and emphasize high Psat. In-line SOAs compensate loss in the middle of a link. Switch-category SOAs are used as optical gates, where bias current turns the signal on and off.
What is saturation output power (Psat)?
Psat is the output power at which the SOA gain has compressed by 3 dB. A higher Psat gives better linearity and more dynamic range. Typical Psat across InPhenix 1550 nm booster parts ranges from 10 to 16 dBm.
What gain and noise figure can I expect?
Typical small-signal gain ranges from about 10 to 22 dB depending on the part, measured at −25 dBm input. The 1310 nm IPSAD1301 specifies a typical noise figure of 7 dB (7.5 dB maximum), and the 1550 nm parts list a maximum of 9 to 10 dB.
How polarization sensitive are InPhenix SOAs?
SOA gain can depend on input polarization. InPhenix lists polarization dependent gain per part, and the product table marks each part as polarization dependent or independent.
How do I drive and test an InPhenix SOA?
Use the IPEVM evaluation board, which offers adjustable forward current up to 650 mA, temperature control to 25 °C and a single +5 V supply. It lets you measure gain, noise figure, saturation output power, wavelength and PDG.
How do I protect an SOA from damage?
Avoid external optical feedback and back-reflection, keep reverse voltage below 2.5 V, stay within the rated forward current and TEC limits, and follow ESD handling procedures. Operating temperature is −20 to 70 °C.
Can InPhenix customize an SOA?
Yes. Share your wavelength, gain, Psat, fibre and connector requirements and InPhenix engineers will recommend a standard part or a custom design.
Request your SOA quote
Your selection from the 3D explorer is carried over. Add a quantity, and we open an email to InPhenix sales with the part number and order code filled in.
InPhenix, Inc. · 250 N. Mines Road, Livermore, CA 94551, USA · salesinphenix@gmail.com
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